&#34;Integrated Spa Cover Lifter System&#34;

ABSTRACT

An integrated spa cover lifter system for a spa having a foldable cover includes a mounting bracket secured directly to the spa frame and a pivot bar having a first end pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket and a second end coupled to the spa cover such that the spa cover may be lifted from a closed position to an open position using the integrated spa cover lifter system. A portion of the mounting bracket may be recessed within a spa frame. A pneumatic or hydraulic piston is coupled to the mounting bracket and the pivot bar between the first end and the second end to provide assistance in raising the cover from a closed position and/or lowering the cover from an open position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/920,869, filed Dec. 26, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to spa covers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a removable spa cover having an integrated spa cover lifter system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Spas generally have a tub portion seated within a frame portion surrounding the tub portion. The frame portion typically includes a metal, wood, or composite frame that supports the tub portion. Auxiliary equipment, such as one or more pumps, water jet nozzles, a water heater, power supply, and control panel are housed within the frame portion. Many conventional spas include one or more skirt panels surrounding the exterior of the frame portion for concealing an underside portion of the tub and any auxiliary equipment within the interior of the frame portion.

The tub portion of the spa forms a cavity for containing water that is maintained at an elevated temperature compared to the ambient environment. In order to keep the water in the tub portion from losing heat when the spa is not in use, a cover is placed over the top of the tub portion. The cover desirably has an insulating core having a high R-value for preventing heat loss from the water within the tub. While various spa cover designs are known, one of the most common designs has a two piece construction with a hinge that allows the two pieces to be folded on top of each other. This type of the spa cover is often very bulky due to the thickness of the insulating core. The increased bulk of the folded cover increases the difficulty of removal and installation of the spa cover.

In order to facilitate lifting and lowering the cover, a variety of lifting mechanisms has been developed. U.S. Pat. No. 6,795,984 to Brady discloses a spa cover lifting device having a pivot bar attached to a piston and a transverse bar. The pivot bar and the piston are anchored adjacent to the spa, while the transverse bar extends in a perpendicular direction across the spa cover. A mounting bracket attached to the spa frame anchors the pivot bar to the spa. Brady teaches that the mounting bracket has a curvilinear channel configured to couple with the pivot bar. The transverse bar passes through the spa cover and is attached to pivot bars on opposing sides of the spa.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,281 to Tudor teaches a foldable spa cover and lift unit. The spa cover includes two panels provided adjacent to each other and foldable along a seam along an edge of the panels. One of the panels includes a pair of integral lifting sockets adapted for receiving a pair of engagement shafts for lifting and displacing the panel to one side of the spa. The lifting sockets extend inside the cover panel but do not go through the cover panel.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,281,280 to Lahay discloses a spa cover removing device. The spa cover includes a cross bar that fits into an elongated sleeve provided along a center hinge between two spa cover panels. The cover removing device includes a pair of rigid arms positioned on opposing sides of the spa housing and pivotally rotatable with respect thereto. In one embodiment, the cross bar extends across the spa cover panels and is enveloped substantially within the elongated sleeve. In another embodiment, the cross bar extends only partially across the spa cover panels on opposing ends of the spa.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,213 to Duarte et al. is directed to an upright hinge for a spa cover. More specifically, the reference teaches a hinge assembly for coupling a spa cover having a mounting bracket, a support arm, and a spring member disposed between the mounting bracket and the support arm. In one embodiment, the spring member is a gas spring.

Even though a plurality of solutions exists for a cover lifter mechanism, the existing designs are often bulky, complicated, and expensive to manufacture. In addition, the conventional spa cover lifter designs utilize brackets that attach to the outside of the spa, creating an unsightly projection that extends around the spa exterior. In view of the foregoing, a need exists for a cover lifter mechanism for a spa that conceals the hardware attaching the lifter mechanism to the spa.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, a spa cover lifter system that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art is desired. The present disclosure relates to a removable spa cover having an integrated spa cover lifter system. In one embodiment, an integrated spa cover lifter system may include at least one mounting bracket adapted for attachment to a frame of a spa and at least one cross bar adapted for attachment to a spa cover. In addition, at least one pivot bar may have a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end connected to the cross bar. A portion of the at least one mounting bracket may be recessed within the frame of the spa when attached to the frame of the spa. A piston having a first end may be pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end may be connected to the pivot bar between the first end and the second end, such that the pivot bar and the piston are pivotally rotatable with respect to the mounting bracket.

In another embodiment of an integrated spa cover lifter system, the pivot bar may be rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a first pivot point having a first pivot axis. Similarly, the piston may be rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a second pivot point having a second pivot axis. The first pivot point may be offset from the second pivot point. The mounting bracket further may include a frame attachment portion adapted for attachment to the frame of the spa and a lifter attachment portion. The frame attachment portion may be recessed within the frame of the spa when attached to the frame of the spa. The lifter attachment portion of the mounting bracket may have the first and the second pivot point. The cross bar may extend through a portion of the first portion or the second portion of the spa cover.

In a further embodiment, a spa cover having an integrated spa cover lifter system may include a spa cover having a first portion connected to a second portion at a hinge for pivotally moving one of the first portion or the second portion with respect to the other of the first portion or the second portion about the hinge. At least one cross bar may be adapted for attachment to the first portion or the second portion of the spa cover. In addition, at least one pivot bar may have a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end connected to the cross bar. A portion of the at least one mounting bracket may be recessed within the frame of the spa. A piston having a first end may be pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end connected to the pivot bar between the first end and the second end, such that the pivot bar and the piston may be pivotally rotatable with respect to the mounting bracket for lifting or lowering the spa cover.

In another embodiment of the spa cover having an integrated cover lifter system, the pivot bar may be rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a first pivot point having a first pivot axis. Similarly, the piston may be rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a second pivot point having a second pivot axis. The first pivot point may be offset from the second pivot point. The mounting bracket further may include a frame attachment portion adapted for attachment to the frame of the spa and a lifter attachment portion. The frame attachment portion may be recessed within the frame of the spa when attached to the frame of the spa. The lifter attachment portion of the mounting bracket may have the first and the second pivot point. The cross bar may extend through a portion of the first portion or the second portion of the spa cover.

According to a further embodiment, a spa may include a spa frame, a water containment unit positioned within the spa frame, and one or more skirt panels extending around the spa frame. A spa cover covering the water containment unit may have an integrated spa cover lifter system that may include a spa cover having a first portion connected to a second portion at a hinge for pivotally moving one of the first portion or the second portion with respect to the other of the first portion or the second portion about the hinge. At least one cross bar may be adapted for attachment to the first portion or the second portion of the spa cover. In addition, at least one pivot bar may have a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end connected to the cross bar. A portion of the mounting bracket may be recessed within the spa frame. A piston having a first end may be pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end connected to the pivot bar between the first end and the second end, such that the pivot bar and the piston may be pivotally rotatable with respect to the mounting bracket for lifting or lowering the spa cover.

In another embodiment of the spa, the pivot bar may be rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a first pivot point having a first pivot axis. Similarly, the piston may be rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a second pivot point having a second pivot axis. The first pivot point may be offset from the second pivot point. The mounting bracket further may include a frame attachment portion adapted for attachment to a spa frame and a lifter attachment portion. The frame attachment portion may be recessed in the spa frame when attached to the spa frame. The lifter attachment portion of the mounting bracket may have the first and the second pivot point. The cross bar may extend through a portion of the first portion or the second portion of the spa cover. A portion of the spa frame that is attached to the at least one mounting bracket may define a step on which the at least one mounting bracket may rest.

These and other features and characteristics of the integrated spa cover lifter system, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a spa having a cover with an integrated spa cover lifter system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the spa shown in FIG. 1 without the spa skirt surrounding the spa frame;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the spa shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the spa shown in FIG. 1 with the spa skirt partially removed from the spa frame;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the spa shown in FIG. 1 showing the spa cover in a partially open state;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the spa shown in FIG. 1 showing the spa cover in a fully open state; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of a spa having a cover with an integrated spa cover lifter system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a spa 10 includes a spa frame 20 defining a cavity 30 for receiving a water containment unit 40 (FIG. 6). With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the spa frame 20 is illustrated as a generally rectangular structure formed from a plurality of beam members. A bottom portion of the spa frame 20 engages the ground surface for supporting the spa 10, while the top portion of the spa frame 20 is open to define the cavity 30. In one embodiment, the spa frame 20 is constructed from a plurality of wood beams, such as conventional construction studs. In other embodiments, the spa frame 20 may be constructed from a composite material, such as fiberglass, from metal, or any combination of these materials. While the spa frame 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 has a generally rectangular shape, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other shapes, such as circular or oval, are not precluded.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-4, the cavity 30 of the spa frame 20 is adapted for receiving the water containment unit 40. The water containment unit 40 is secured within the cavity 30 of the spa frame 20 in a manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as by bolting and/or gluing the water containment unit 40 to the spa frame 20. A portion of the cavity 30 may also receive auxiliary equipment (not shown), such as one or more pumps, heaters, nozzles, and/or control units. One or more skirt panels 50 are provided around the perimeter of the spa frame 20 to conceal the cavity 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the skirt panels 50 cover the spa frame such that the cavity 30 is not visible from the outside.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-4, a spa cover 60 is provided to cover the water containment unit 40. The cover 60 includes a first portion 70 and a second portion 80 joined together by a hinge 90. The hinge 90 may be centrally located on the cover 60. In one embodiment, one of the first portion 70 or the second portion 80 is foldable over the other of the first portion 70 or the second portion 80 along the hinge 90. For example, the hinge 90 may be located between the first portion 70 and the second portion 80 such that the second portion 80 may be folded over the first portion 70. The foldable arrangement of the first and second portions of the cover 60 facilitates removal of the cover 60 from the spa 10. It is also contemplated that multiple hinges may be provided between more than two cover portions. In this configuration, multiple portions of the cover 60 can be folded on top of one another to open the cover 60. The cover 60 has an exterior portion that surrounds an interior core (not shown). Desirably, the interior core is made from an insulating material having a high R-value to prevent excessive heat loss from the water containment unit 40. The shape of the cover 60 substantially corresponds to the shape of the spa frame 20 to also assist in preventing excessive heat loss from the water containment unit 40.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14, the spa 10 includes a spa cover lifter system 100 for facilitating the installation and removal of the cover 60. The spa cover lifter system 100 is connected to the spa 10 and the cover 60 such that movement of the spa cover lifter system 100 causes a corresponding movement of the cover 60. At least one spa cover lifter is connected to the spa 10 and the cover 60. Desirably, two spa cover lifters are provided on opposite sides of the cover 60 and are arranged such that both spa cover lifters move in unison during installation or removal of the cover 60.

The spa cover lifter system 100 is connected to the spa frame 20 by a mounting bracket 110. The mounting bracket 110 includes a frame attachment portion 120 for attachment to the spa frame 20. The frame attachment portion 120 may be substantially “L-shaped” with two body members 122 a, 122 b positioned perpendicular to one another. A flange 124 a, 124 b may be provided on the end of each body member 122 a, 122 b. Each flange 124 a, 124 b may define at least one aperture 126 a-126 d configured to receive a fastener. The frame attachment portion 120 may be directly attached to one or two beams in the spa frame 20. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 110 is connected to the spa frame 20 using a plurality of fasteners 130 inserted through the apertures 126 a-126 d defined in the flange 124 a, 124 b. The frame attachment portion 120 of the mounting bracket 110 is adapted for recessed installation on the spa frame 20 such that the frame attachment portion 120 does not protrude outside the spa frame 40. A step or recess 128 a, 128 b may be cut or defined in the members of the spa frame 20 that are attached to the frame attachment portion 120. A bottom surface of the frame attachment portion 120 is configured to rest or sit on the steps 128 a, 128 b to provide added support to the frame attachment portion 120. It is also contemplated that flanges may extend from the members of the spa frame 20 to provide a similar type of assistance to the frame attachment portion 120. Recessed installation may be understood to mean that the frame attachment portion 120 is not seen from the outside of the spa 10 after being attached to the spa frame 20 and the skirt panels 50 have been installed. In one embodiment, recessed is understood to mean that a portion of the mounting bracket 110 is attached to the spa frame 20 by setting the mounting bracket 110 back into the spa frame 20.

The mounting bracket 110 further includes a lifter attachment portion 140 for supporting the lifting mechanism of the spa cover lifter system 100. The lifter attachment portion 140 is fixedly connected to the frame attachment portion 120 or it may be removably connected thereto. The lifter attachment portion 140 includes a first member 142 a and a second member 142 b. The first member 142 a of the lifter attachment portion 140 may be fixedly connected to the first body member 122 a of the frame attachment portion 120. The second member 142 b of the lifter attachment portion 140 may be fixedly connected to an upper surface of the first member 142 a of the lifter attachment portion 140. In one embodiment, a first portion of the lifter attachment portion 140 is concealed within the spa frame 20 while a second portion of the lifter attachment portion 140 extends outside the spa frame 20. The lifter attachment portion 140 and the frame attachment portion 120 may be formed to have a monolithic structure or, in the alternative, may be bolted together or otherwise coupled by welding, an adhesive, or other well-known coupling methods. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 110 is made of metal.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the frame attachment portion 120 and a part of the lifter attachment portion 140 are positioned within the spa frame 20 such that they are concealed from view when one or more skirt panels 50 are installed. Such arrangement of the frame attachment portion 120 and the lifter attachment portion 140 hides a substantial part of the mounting bracket 110 out of sight to create a simplified appearance.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-4, the spa cover lifter system 100 further includes a pivot bar 150 coupled to the second member 142 b of the lifter attachment portion 140 of the mounting bracket 110. The pivot bar 150 includes a first end 160 opposite a second end 170. The first end 160 of the pivot bar 150 is pivotally connected to the second member 142 b of the lifter attachment portion 140 of the mounting bracket 110 by a fastener 180. The first end 160 is connected to the second member 142 b of the lifter attachment portion 140 at a first pivot point 200 having a first pivot axis extending therethrough such that the first end 170 is rotatable about the first pivot axis. The pivot bar 150 may have a circular cross section. In one embodiment, the pivot bar 150 has a rectangular cross section.

As best shown in FIG. 2, a cross bar 190 is provided on the first portion 70 of the cover 60. The cross bar 190 is adapted for attachment to the first portion 70 of the cover 60 and extends through at least a portion of the first portion 70. The cross bar 190 is attached to the cover 60 at an approximate midpoint portion of the cover thickness. In one embodiment, the cross bar 190 extends through the entire width of the first portion 70 to connect the two opposing spa cover lifter systems 100. In an alternate embodiment, the cross bar 190 of each spa cover lifter system 100 extends through a part of the width of the first portion 70 towards one another. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the cross bar 190 may be attached to the second portion 80 of the cover 60. The cross bar 190 may have a circular cross section. In one embodiment, the cross bar 190 has a rectangular cross section. With continuing reference to FIG. 5, the second end 170 of the pivot bar 150 is connected to the cross bar 190. The second end 170 of the pivot bar 150 may be fixedly or pivotally connected to the cross bar 190. For example, in one embodiment, the second end 170 of the pivot bar 150 is connected to the cross bar 190 in an interference or friction fit. In other embodiments, the second end 170 of the pivot bar 150 is connected by fasteners, or it may be welded thereto.

With particular reference to FIG. 3, the spa cover lifter system 100 further includes a piston 210 adapted for facilitating the installation and removal of the cover 60. The piston 210 is a hydraulic or pneumatic unit that provides mechanical assistance or a mechanical advantage in raising and lowering the cover 60. The piston 210 generally includes a hollow cylinder and a piston within the cylinder such that the length of the piston 210 may be changed between a first compressed length and a second extended length. With continuing reference to FIG. 3, a first end 220 of the piston 210 is connected to the second member 142 b of the lifter attachment portion 140 of the mounting bracket 110. In one embodiment, the first end 220 is connected to a second pivot point 230 provided on the second member 142 b of the lifter attachment portion 140. The second pivot point 230 has a second pivot axis about which the first end 220 of the piston 210 can rotate. The first pivot point 200 and the second pivot point 230 are horizontally offset from each other. The first pivot point 200 is positioned above the second pivot point 230.

The spa cover lifter system 100 facilitates the movement of the spa cover 60 between a first lowered position and a second raised position. In the first lowered position, such as illustrated in FIG. 1, the pivot bar 150 is substantially parallel to the top portion of the spa frame 20. With reference to FIG. 5, which shows the cover 60 and the spa cover lifter system 100 in a partially lifted position, the pivot bar 150 is rotated with respect to the mounting bracket 110. Continued rotation of the pivot bar 150 with regard to the mounting bracket 110 causes the cover 60 to be further removed from the spa 10. In a second, raised position, as shown in FIG. 6, the pivot bar 150 is substantially perpendicular to the top portion of the spa frame 20. A stop surface (not shown) may be provided to prevent continued rotation of the pivot bar 150 past the second, raised position shown in FIG. 6. The stop surface may extend transversely from a top portion of the spa 10. The stop surface may also be an “L-shaped” member that extends transversely from a top portion of the spa 10 and extends vertically to stop the cover 60 from extending horizontally past the second, raised position shown in FIG. 6. Throughout the movement of the cover 60 between the lowered position and the raised position, and vice versa, the piston 210 provides a mechanical advantage to facilitate the lifting and lowering of the cover 60.

In another embodiment, a locking pin arrangement (not shown) may be used to prevent the continued rotation of the pivot bar 150 past the second, raised position shown in FIG. 6. After the pivot bar 150 has been moved to a specific location, the locking pin arrangement may be used to prevent the pivot bar 150 from moving back to the first, lowered position shown in FIG. 3 until the locking pin arrangement is removed.

With reference to FIG. 7, an alternate embodiment of a spa cover lifter system 300 is illustrated. Similar to the embodiment described with regard to FIGS. 1-6, the spa cover lifter system 300 illustrated in FIG. 7 is connected to the spa 10 and the cover 60 such that movement of the spa cover lifter system 300 causes a corresponding movement of the cover 60. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the spa cover lifter system 300 is connected to a lower portion of the spa frame 20 by a mounting bracket (not shown). The mounting bracket may be similar or identical to the mounting bracket 110 shown in FIG. 4. The mounting bracket includes a frame attachment portion (not shown) for attachment to the spa frame 20. The frame attachment portion may be similar or identical to the frame attachment portion 120 in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket is connected to the spa frame 20 using a plurality of fasteners. The frame attachment portion of the mounting bracket is adapted for recessed installation on the spa frame 20 such that the frame attachment portion does not protrude outside the spa frame 20. The spa cover lifter system 300 further includes a pivot bar 340 having one end coupled to a lifter attachment portion 350 of the mounting bracket 310 and the opposing end coupled to the cover 60. The lifter attachment portion 350 includes a first member 142 a and a second member 142 b, similar to the lifter attachment portion 140 in FIG. 4. The cover 60 is lowered and raised in the same manner as the cover 60 described in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. By using an extended pivot bar 340 pivotally connected to a lifter attachment portion 350 fixedly connected to a lower position on the spa 10, the cover 60 may be positioned closer to the surface on which the spa 10 rests, as shown in FIG. 7. By using the extended pivot bar 340 of FIG. 7 instead of the pivot bar 150 of FIG. 6, a larger portion of the cover 60 is positioned below the top surface of the spa frame 20, thereby increasing the visibility from the spa 10.

While various embodiments of the spa having an integrated spa cover lifter system were provided in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art may make modifications and alterations to these embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it is to be understood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and the range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated spa cover lifter system comprising: at least one mounting bracket adapted for attachment to a frame of a spa; at least one cross bar adapted for attachment to a spa cover; and at least one pivot bar having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end connected to the cross bar, wherein a portion of the at least one mounting bracket is recessed within the frame of the spa.
 2. The integrated spa cover lifter system of claim 1, further comprising a piston having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end connected to the pivot bar between the first end and the second end of the pivot bar, wherein the pivot bar and the piston are pivotally rotatable with respect to the mounting bracket.
 3. The integrated spa cover lifter system of claim 2, wherein the pivot bar is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a first pivot point having a first pivot axis and wherein the piston is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a second pivot point having a second pivot axis.
 4. The integrated spa cover lifter system of claim 3, wherein the first pivot point is offset from the second pivot point.
 5. The integrated spa cover lifter system of claim 3, wherein the mounting bracket further comprises a frame attachment portion adapted for attachment to the frame of the spa and a lifter attachment portion, wherein the frame attachment portion is recessed in the frame of the spa when attached to the frame of the spa.
 6. The integrated spa cover lifter system of claim 5, wherein the lifter attachment portion of the mounting bracket includes the first and the second pivot point.
 7. The integrated spa cover lifter system of claim 1, wherein the cross bar extends through a portion of the first portion or the second portion of the spa cover.
 8. A spa cover having an integrated spa cover lifter system comprising: a spa cover having a first portion connected to a second portion at a hinge for pivotally moving one of the first portion or the second portion with respect to the other of the first portion or the second portion about the hinge; at least one mounting bracket adapted for attachment to a frame of a spa; at least one cross bar adapted for attachment to one of the first portion or the second portion of the spa cover; and at least one pivot bar having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end connected to the cross bar, wherein a portion of the at least one mounting bracket is recessed within the frame of the spa.
 9. The spa cover of claim 8, further comprising a piston having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end connected to the pivot bar between the first end and the second end, wherein the pivot bar and the piston are pivotally rotatable with respect to the mounting bracket for lifting or lowering the spa cover.
 10. The spa cover of claim 9, wherein the pivot bar is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a first pivot point having a first pivot axis and wherein the piston is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a second pivot point having a second pivot axis.
 11. The spa cover of claim 10, wherein the first pivot point is offset from the second pivot point.
 12. The spa cover of claim 8, wherein the mounting bracket further comprises a frame attachment portion adapted for attachment to the frame of the spa and a lifter attachment portion, and wherein the frame attachment portion is recessed within the frame of the spa when attached to the frame of the spa.
 13. The spa cover of claim 12, wherein the lifter attachment portion of the mounting bracket has the first and the second pivot point.
 14. The spa cover of claim 8, wherein the cross bar extends through a portion of the first portion or the second portion of the spa cover.
 15. A spa comprising: a spa frame; a water containment unit positioned within the spa frame; one or more skirt panels extending around the spa frame; a spa cover covering the water containment unit, the spa cover having a first portion connected to a second portion at a hinge for pivotally moving one of the first portion or the second portion with respect to the other of the first portion or the second portion about the hinge; at least one mounting bracket adapted for attachment to the spa frame; at least one cross bar adapted for attachment to one of the first portion or the second portion of the spa cover; and at least one pivot bar having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end connected to the cross bar, wherein a portion of the at least one mounting bracket is recessed within the spa frame.
 16. The spa of claim 15, further comprising a piston having a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end connected to the pivot bar between the first end and the second end, wherein the pivot bar and the piston are pivotally rotatable with respect to the mounting bracket for lifting the spa cover to uncover the water containment unit or lowering the spa cover to cover the water containment unit.
 17. The spa of claim 16, wherein the pivot bar is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a first pivot point having a first pivot axis and wherein the piston is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket at a second pivot point having a second pivot axis.
 18. The spa of claim 15, wherein the mounting bracket further comprises a frame attachment portion adapted for attachment to the spa frame and a lifter attachment portion having the first and the second pivot point, and wherein the frame attachment portion is recessed within the spa frame when attached to the spa frame.
 19. The spa of claim 15, wherein the cross bar extends through a portion of the first portion or the second portion of the spa cover.
 20. The spa of claim 15, wherein a portion of the spa frame that is attached to the at least one mounting bracket defines a step on which the at least one mounting bracket rests. 